DIPLOMA OF GOVERNMENT (INVESTIGATIONS) PSP51712 Website: Email: Phone: www.icets.com.au info@icets.com.au (07) 3102 3360 Effective: October 2015 COURSE STRUCTURE
Table Of Contents Course Structure... 3 Course Delivery... 4 Indicative Content for Course Program... 5 Face-to-Face Program... 5 Online Component... 8 Course Methodology... 9 Face-to-Face Program... 9 Online Component... 11 Cost (Individual Enrolment)... 12 Cost (In-House Client Agency)... 12 Appendix A: Client Agency Customisation Process... 13 2 4
Course Structure The Diploma of Government is made up of 11 units. These are the compulsory units and elective units offered by ICETS. Face to Face Units (delivered during workshop) These units of competency form the course content associated with the workshop that participants attend and undertake during a face-to-face environment. The delivery structure of these units follows a case study investigation (generic) for public course programs and a case study investigation (tailored) contexualised for in-house agency specific courses that reflect client agency regulatory roles. 1. PSPREG401C Exercise Regulatory Powers (Elective) 2. PSPREG503A Supervise and carry out complex inspections and monitoring (Elective) 3. PSPREG425 Conduct Investigations (Core) 4. PSPREG502A Coordinate investigation processes (Core) 5. PSPGOV503B Coordinate resource allocation and usage (Core) 6. PUAPOL028B Manage Investigation Information Process (Core) 7. PSPREG508 Review & Evaluate Investigations (Core) Online Units The online units are more generic in nature and as such they are delivered through an online training environment where participants undertake the course tutorials and activities in ICETS online training portal. 1. PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service (Core) 2. PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector (Core) 3. PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies (Core) 4. PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety (Core) 3
Course Delivery ICETS has designed the delivery of the Diploma of Government (Investigations) to enable participants to undertake the majority of the course program during the 2-week face-to-face program with the generic online units being undertaken pre or post course. The qualification is delivered in a 10-day face-to-face training workshop. This consists of two5 day training blocks where participants under guidance of course facilitator work through the above mentioned 7 units of competency and assessments with the objective of completing the majority qualification on conclusion of the 10-day training block. Note completion with 10 days would require some after hours assignment work by course participants. Alternatively participants can complete assignments post course. Regardless, all participants will be working through assignments during the 10-day course, which will allow each participant to have a sound understanding of assignment requirements and prepare draft assignments prior to completion of 10 day program. Note: This package can be delivered in 2 x 1 week (5 day) training blocks over an extended period. Benefits: Course participants have the benefit and opportunity to complete the full qualification over the 2-week period. Different learning styles are catered for with participants having the benefit of access to course facilitator during this period to assist in assignment preparation. Participants also have the added benefit of being able to workshop or brainstorm with other participants on assignment topics. (Note there is some limited pre- course and post course workplace activities to complete) Considerations: Course participants are required to be off-line from work commitments for a 2-week period. Response to Consideration: The 2 week program is divided into 2 x 1 week training blocks. Although it is recommended that the 2-week block be run consecutively to ensure the Momentum of the training is not lost; agencies can select to have their program delivered in2 x 1 week training blocks over an extended period. It is recommended that gap between each 1 week training block be limited to no more than 4 weeks where possible. Note: Some additional costs may be associated with the splitting of the 2- week program however these will be limited to facilitator travel cost. 4
Indicative Content for Course Program Face-to-Face Program The face-to-face program works through the units of competency directly associated with managing and conducting an investigation within the client agencies regulatory environment. The program is designed to ensure that the competencies associated with the Diploma of Government (Investigations) are directly mapped to the regulatory role of investigators and managers within your agency. Mapping the competencies to your regulatory role ensures the relevance and purpose of the course content is recognised within your own investigative environment. This is achieved by contextualizing the course content around your agencies enabling legislation, policy, procedures and case study investigation. 1. Exercise regulatory Powers Although this unit is drawn from the Certificate IV level, its importance can never by underestimated. The ability to identify and apply powers under legislation is the foundation for all investigative activity undertaken during an investigation. In addition to this the ability to identify an offence and break it down into its elements (or points of proof) is fundamental to ensuring that sound strategic avenues of inquiries are maintained to ensure efficient and effective investigations are maintained. This unit covers the exercise of powers under the organisation's enabling legislation, and other relevant legislation for regulation, monitoring, inspection and investigation. It includes establishing regulatory powers, applying enabling legislation, utilising other legislation and standards, and working with other organisations. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at http://training.gov.au/training/details/pspreg401c 2. Supervise and carry out complex inspections and monitoring This unit discusses sound methodologies for designing, planning and undertaking comprehensive inspection and monitoring activities. The unit focuses on the importance of approaching monitoring and inspections as evidence based gathering activity and not a tick and flick checklist process. The unit covers planning and coordinating inspection and monitoring programs, supervising and carrying out complex inspections and monitoring and acting on non-compliance. Discussions are also focussed on the importance of accurate and comprehensive reporting and information training to ensure that findings can be used to enhance the agencies regulatory monitoring framework. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at http://training.gov.au/training/details/pspreg503a 5 4
3. Conduct Investigations The majority of risk associated with investigations is often centered on the conduct or more importantly the management of investigations. Investigators are often provided with comprehensive documents associated with procedures to follow during investigations and the expected outcomes, but not always with sound strategies to ensure their investigations are conducted as efficiently and effectively as possible. This unit enables investigators and mangers to set up, but more importantly create strategic processes to follow to ensure investigation outcomes are achieved. The unit covers maintaining and evaluating operational direction, collecting and analyzing information, managing and mapping evidential value of exhibits, profiling subjects and entities and replacing individual investigation methodologies with strategic driven investigative processes. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at http://training.gov.au/training/details/pspreg425 4. Coordinate investigation processes This unit covers the effective coordination of the investigative process, conducted internally, with or by an outside organisation. It includes planning and preparing for the investigation, leading and supporting the investigation team, monitoring progress of the investigation, finalising and reporting on the investigation and conducting a debriefing. It further explores the benefit of post operational analysis of investigations to identify areas of improvement in the regulatory framework of an agency. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at http://training.gov.au/training/details/pspreg502a 5. Coordinate resource allocation and usage Investigations often are run within the parameters of limited available resources. Subsequently the ability to plan and allocate resources to an investigation strategically and efficiently is an important skill for the mangers of an investigation. This unit coverscoordination and monitoring of available resources to achieve work unit outcomes. It includes allocating available resources, monitoring and evaluation of resource usage and reporting on resource usage. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at; http://training.gov.au/training/details/pspgov503b 6 4
6. Manage Investigation Information Process Investigators need to be proficient in information gathering techniques. Quality information to support decision-making process within investigations is an essential part of any investigation plan. However efficient and effective information gathering and management processes are often not in place to ensure quality information is identified and utilised. This unit provides participants with the ability to identify and use information gathering processes, effectively evaluate information obtained through those processes and be able to strategically respond to information acquired to achieve the investigation desired results. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at; http://training.gov.au/training/details/puapol028b 7. Review & Evaluate Investigations Investigation review should be a constant throughout an investigation and not simply a post operational activity. This unit allows participants to regularly assess investigations against competing investigations/demands to determine priorities and monitor resource and budgetary expenditure. The investigation is strategically assessed at regular intervals to ensure that objectives are achievable within resource and legal constraints. The unit explores the benefits that can be derived from a post investigation review to learn from the strengths and weakness of the investigation. Effective reviews ensures agency regulatory monitoring and investigation activity exist within a framework of continuous improvement. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at; http://training.gov.au/training/details/pspreg508 7 7
Indicative Content for Course Program Online Component The desired results of the face-to-face program are to focus participants on the knowledge and skills to conduct and manage investigations. Subsequently to ensure that face-to-face training component achieves this, the following four units are not delivered during the workshop but are delivered as online self paced training. 8. Promote the values and ethos of public service This unit covers the responsibility of those in public service to model and encourage in others the highest standards of ethical conduct. It includes promoting ethical standards, assisting staff to avoid conflicts of interest, and modelling and fostering integrity of conduct. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at; http://training.gov.au/training/details/pspethc501b 9. Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector This unit covers promotion of compliance with workplace legislation in the public sector. It includes modelling compliance with legislation and related public sector guidelines and procedures and encouraging and assisting others to comply. Personal work practices are used to provide a consistent model of compliance with current public sector legislation and guidelines such as those associated with workplace safety, workplace ethics, and anti discrimination. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at; http://training.gov.au/training/details/psplegn501b 10. Use complex workplace communication strategies This unit covers complex workplace communication for working at middle management level with internal and external clients, colleagues and other staff. It includes preparing for complex communication, analysing and responding to opinions, presenting a convincing argument, and developing a range of communication strategies. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at; http://training.gov.au/training/details/pspgov512a 11. Monitor and maintain workplace safety This unit covers the monitoring and improvement of the organisation's occupational health and safety policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area to achieve and maintain occupational health and safety standards. Detailed performance criteria for this unit of competency can be found at; http://training.gov.au/training/details/pspohs501a 8 9
Course Methodology Face-to-Face Program The face-to-face program is delivered through a series learning styles and learning theory, which have been formulated by our course designers to meet modern adult learning theory namely that adults have particular requirements as learners and that they learn best in an environment that is problem based and collaborative. Each unit of competency is delivered in a four (4) tiered process of theory, knowledge based activities, case study investigation and workplace validation. Indicative delivery structure for each unit of competency Theory Knowledge Based Activities Unit theory is presented by course faciltator using high quality and visually stimulating power point presentations and videos. ICETS facilitators are all experience investigators who bring past experiences, knowledge, and opinions from their regualtory and investigative background. Course participants undertake a series of short answer activities where they are required to demonstrate their understanding of unit theory and its application to their own working environment. Throughout duration of course, participants will be working through a case study investigation from inititation of investigation through to finalising investigation. Each part of the case study investigation is built Case Study upon as participants progress through each of the 7 face to face units Investigation during the workshop. Worklace Validation 9 8 Workbook assessment report is to be completed in the workplace. This report is a document where course participants supervisor acknowledges recognised current competencies or records observations of participants workplace activities that demonstrate competency performance criteria.
10 The case study investigation is an intricate part of the learning and development methodology undertaken by ICETS. The case study investigation provides participants with a simulated investigative environment within which an investigation is undertaken and managed. The investigation is undertaken within the COMtrac Investigation Management Database utilised by ICETS for training purposes. COMtrac provides a creative learning environment in which the principles of investigation planning, management and reporting are effectively reinforced.
Course Methodology Online Component Participants complete the final four generic units of competency in the on line training area. Course resources for these units include course readings, online short answer questions, assignment papers and links to web based resources. Each unit of competency is delivered in a four (4) tiered process of theory, knowledge based activities, case study investigation and workplace validation. Theory Knowledge Based Activities Assignment Worklace assessment 11 Unit theory is contained within unit readings. Unit readings can be downloaded from online training area. Participants are provided with a suggested study scheduleto work through the unit readings and undertake the unit activities. Course participants undertake a series of online short answer assessment where they are required to demonstrate their understading of unit theory. Participants download written assignment instructions and complete assignment off line. Once completed assignment is uploaded for marking by course assessor. Workbook assessment report is to be completed in the workplace. This report is a document where course participants supervisor acknowledges recognised current competencies or records observations of participants workplace activities that demonstrate competency performance criteria.
Cost Individual Enrolment Individual participants are enrolled in our public course program which is run twice a year in each capital city. Please check our web site for dates at www.icets.com.au $2990 per participant (GST Exempt) In-house client agency enrolments Agencies which have 10 or more participants to enroll in the Diploma of Government (Investigations) are able to have the course program contextualized to their regulatory environment. We work with government agencies and other regulatory bodies that expect more than a standard investigation course. Our clients expect the delivery of investigation and compliance monitoring skills to their staff, which not only meet nationally accredited standards but also can be effectively applied to their working environment. ICETS delivers training packages designed to integrate the legislation, policy & procedures of your own working environment with the investigation and compliance monitoring skills delivered through our courses. Through our complimentary consultancy session we take the time to get to know your organisation before we recommend a training solution. Depending on the nature of your training needs, ICETS work with client agencies to contextualizes the training packages based on the following processes; The contexualisation of our course programs is done through continued consultation between ICETS course developers and nominated subject matter experts with your agency. Our wide exposure to regulatory issues with the compliance sector makes ICETS one of the foremost training partners in this specialty area. Our customisation process is outlined in Appendix A. In-house agency discount: Client agency customisation: $2700 per participant (GST Exempt) $4,500 (cost associated with contextualization of course program around client agency legislation and regulatory environment. 12
Appendix A CLIENT AGENCY CUSTOMISATION PROCESS 13
Development Milestones for Client Agency Based Course Programs Attachment A The following milestones represent the basic process for the contexualisation and development of training programs for client agency training pacakges. The process provides and overview of our course development processes. The level of contexualisation differs from agency to agency and the following 11 contexualisation milestones are provided as guide to our course development strategies. Milestone Title Milestone Objective Milestone Description Milestone Implementation 1 Client Agency Objectives 1.Training Objectives v Consultation is conducted with client agency to identify 1.1. Consultation with client representatives to 2.Risk areas the objectives of the training package being sought. Objectives range from; identify training objective 1.2. Report to client agency confirming training objectives v Response to agency reviews v Changes to regulatory environment v Identified risk areas (i.e. need for increased regulatory skills). 2 Identify Target Group 1. Who is being trained 2. Job criteria and regulatory roles relevant to agency training objectives v The identification of 'who is being trained' plays a key component to the identification of the training package design. v A review of the job descriptions of the key personnel will aid in the identification of the core knowledge and skills of the target group associated with their job positions and focus area for training. 2.1. Obtain job description and key selectrion criteria (KSC) for target group from client agency 2.2. Generate a knowledge/ skills list based around target group regulatory roles. 2.3. Report to client agency on target group regulatory role analysis. In Confidence Investigation Compliance Enforcment Training Systems 1
Development Milestones for Client Agency Based Course Programs Attachment A 3 Preliminary course structure 1. Design preliminary course structure based v This forms the foundation (building blocks) for the around competency units relevant to course package. A preliminary course structure is training needs generated for consideration. v This course structure is generated by mapping the target group regulatory core knowledge & skills against relevant competency units. When competence units have been identified then relevant qualification can be more readily identifiable. v Note: The above milestones may not necessarily result in identifying sufficient competency units to meet the full requirements of a qualification. This is because although qualifications are desirable, the course design is based on the desired 'outcomes' of the training (i.e. establshment of regulatory core knowledge & skills). v Qualifications can still be achieved by adding additional competency areas to training package which may be of benefit (but not necessarily essential) to the target group regulatory role 3.1. Map target group regulatory core knowledge & skills to competency units knowledge and skills 3.2. Identify most relevant competency units for training package 3.3. Map identified competence units to relevant qualifications 3.4. If necessary nominated additional (non- essential) competency units to achieve qualification 3.5. Report to client agency on preliminary course structure 4 Participant training needs analysis 1. Design and implement survey to identify weaknesses and strengths of target group. 2. Allows training to be focused on key risk areas v The purpose of this survey is ascertain some clear feed 4.1. Create survey questions which reflect back on the strengths and weakness of the target group in respect to the identified training areas. competency areas identified in primary course structure v This helps in the delegation of course delivery time and 4.2. Create on- line survey for target group course focus to ensure that risk areas are dealt with effectively during training 4.3. Implement On- line survey 4.4. Report to client agency on results v Ensures that areas of strength already held by target group are not focused on more then required 5 Detailed Course Structure 1. From target group training needs analysis v The secondary course structure is a more detailed, secondary course structure is designed and delivery recommendation. submitted to client agency for consideration v This provides the client agency with specific delivery strategies, assessment strategies, and learning pathways based on the information obtained from milestones 1-4 5.1. Design delivery strategy 5.2. Design Assessment Strategy 5.3. Report to client agency detailed course structure for consideration In Confidence Investigation Compliance Enforcment Training Systems 2
Development Milestones for Client Agency Based Course Programs Attachment A 6 Identification of Local Assets 1. On acceptance of secondary course v One of the key components to ICETS 2015-2016 6.1. Design a survey for use by client agency to structure, consideration is given to identification of local assets (i.e. subject strategic plan is the implementation of local asset based training. identify local assets for particular subject (raining) areas. matter experts) who may be complimentary v Local Asset Based Training focuses on the delivery of 6.2. Report to client agency of potential local to course delivery training packages through the use of agency subject matter asset based trainers experts (local assets). v There are many benefits to using local assets including but not limited to relevant applied experience in the workplace, recognition of experience from target group, reduce cost for client agency. Note: ICETS trainers are subject matter experts in all areas of the training package. ICETS is able to deliver all modules within the training package but offer the opportunity for local assets based trainers as a consideration for the client agency. 7 Course contextualization 1. Course is contextualized around client agency, legislation, policy, procedures and case studies v Course contextualization is the identification and implementation of the client agency policy, procedure and legislation into the course package. v This information is placed throughout the course package in key placeholder areas. v Contextualization also includes the design of a case study investigation/regulatory activity for use during the training program. 7.1. Design contextualization list of required policy/procedures/legislation/ case study material 7.2. Identify client agency representative to liaise with ICETS during contextualization 7.3. Set delivery dates for required material 7.4. Insert client agency material into package 8 Final Course Structure & Review 1. Final Course Package is submitted to client agency for consideration and approval/or amendment v Final course package is reviewed and submitted to 8.1. Submit course learner guides, assessments client agency for their evaluation and review. and training & assessment strategy (TAS) for v Any additional requirements for package are taken into client agency review account and adjusted as per client agency request In Confidence Investigation Compliance Enforcment Training Systems 3
Development Milestones for Client Agency Based Course Programs Attachment A 9 Delivery 1. Delivery of Course Program v Course program is delivered by either face to face, online or blended learning pathways (as determined by client agency requirements) 9.1. As per developed training and assessment strategy (TAS) 9.2. Report on training feedback to client agency identifying participant feedback, course strengths and any recommended improvements for further course packages. 10 Workplace Assessments 1. If applicable, workplace assessments from training package are implemented by course participants within the working environment. Note: Use of workplace assessments are optional and selected at discretion of client agency. If required by client agency, all assessments can be limited to face to face training delivery. v Workplace assessments are designed to replace self paced assignments. v Designed to ensure evidence of the target course participants learning outcomes. v Ideally workplace assessments will show a demonstrated increase in the participants knowledge and skills level by the application of the course outcomes to the participants workplace. v Use of workplace assessments allow assessments to form part of normal working enviromnent without need for participants to commit additional personal time to assessments. v Historically wortkplace assessments have a significantly high completion rate then self paced assignment based assessments 10.1. Establish schedule for completion of workplace assessments 10.2. Create marking guide that reflects evidence of desired learning outcomes 11 Course Review and Report 1. Formal training review is generated based on course participants assessments results and outcomes of workplace activities implemented. v The purpose of the course review is to provide the client agency with evidence of the increased competencies of course participants and to demonstrate the overall effectiveness of the program 11.1. Establish a competency evidence schedule (includes areas in which client agency may want to report to external or internal bodies on meeting known risk areas in training and development) 11.2. Submit completed review report to client agency for their staff professional development records and agency reporting requirements In Confidence Investigation Compliance Enforcment Training Systems 4